Tokyo unfiltered: an LGBTQ+ guide to the city’s best offerings
In partnership with Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
By Dale Fox
Tokyo doesn’t fit neatly into a single description. It’s a city of contrasts, where you might find yourself in a serene garden one moment, only to turn a corner and find a bustling street full of people the next. It’s a place where centuries-old temples share streets with sleek skyscrapers, and where the latest technology sits comfortably alongside ancient traditions.
For LGBTQ+ travellers, Tokyo offers a unique experience. While not as openly demonstrative as some Western cities, Tokyo’s queer culture is very much alive, especially in areas like Shinjuku Ni-chome, which has the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ bars of any area in the world. But there’s much more to discover beyond the nightlife.
This guide focuses on Tokyo’s daytime attractions – the shops, museums, observation decks, and eateries that showcase the city’s diverse character. Whether you’re visiting for the fashion, the food, the technology, or the traditions, Tokyo offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered.
Tokyo observation points
TOKYO NODE
Opened in October 2023, TOKYO NODE is a dynamic commercial space located on the upper floors of the Toranomon Hills Station Tower. Designed as a hub for cultural exchange and innovation, it hosts a range of events and conferences. Highlights include a digital art gallery on the 45th floor and a stunning sky garden featuring an infinity pool, set 250 meters above ground—the highest of its kind in the city. While the pool is purely decorative, the breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond are reason enough to visit. Dining options include two poolside restaurants offering exquisite French cuisine, prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
One of the tallest structures in the city, this 243-metre-high building houses a pair of observation decks that offer sweeping views of the city and its surrounds. And the best thing? Entry is completely free. With a panoramic view of Tokyo, you should be able to see landmarks such as the Tokyo Dome – and maybe even a glimpse of Mount Fuji if you’re lucky. There’s also cafes and shops, as well as a tourist information centre on the ground floor.
Dining in Tokyo
TOKYU KABUKICHO TOWER
This colossus entertainment complex in Shinjuku opened just last year, with its 48 floors filled with delights such as a Namco amusement complex, 900-seat theatre, and a nightclub. But its food hall is the star of the show, taking the style of a traditional yokocho alleyway but with a modern, neon-lit twist. You’ll find a wide variety of Japanese food, as well as a whole host of Japanese musical and cultural performances to entertain you while you eat.
Toyosu Market
This is the vibrant hub of Tokyo’s seafood trade, where visitors can experience the excitement of early morning tuna auctions and indulge in incredibly fresh cuisine. The spacious, modern complex houses dozens of restaurants serving everything from premium sushi to hearty ramen, with most closing by early afternoon, as their main role is to feed the hardworking market staff. However, the eateries remain open to all during operating hours, offering a unique glimpse into the market’s daily life. While primarily catering to industry professionals, the market also has select sections on the fourth floor of the Fisheries Intermediate Wholesale Market Building, where visitors can purchase professional-grade goods. For a quieter moment, the rooftop garden provides panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline.
Tokyo shopping
Ginza district
Home to luxury shopping, featuring high-end international brands and local designers, this is arguably the city’s most glamourous district. The area is pedestrianised at weekends, letting you take in the boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, galleries, shrines and everything else in between more freely. If you’re on a budget, you’ll also find affordable street food – plus window shopping is always free, of course.
Ginza Loft
A multi-storey shop offering a variety of quirky and domestically made Japanese goods, think of it like an artisanal department store. You’ll find practically everything here to satisfy your retail urges, from beauty products to stationary. Across its five floors, there are numerous specialised sections showcasing different categories of items, providing a feast for the senses. There’s also a booming men’s beauty section, featuring everything from haircare to cosmetics.
Shimokitazawa district
A laid-back neighbourhood filled with vintage stores and indie boutiques, head here around lunchtime to while away the afternoon browsing clothing, records, books and more. You’ll also find an abundance of cafes in the area, offering a perfect spot to rest between stores with a bite and drink while people-watching and enjoying the bohemian vibes.
Shibuya PARCO
A reimagined department store housing a mix of local and international brands, art exhibitions, and pop-up stores. This eco-friendly design marvel quite literally has something for everyone, from luxury brands and a Nintendo store with merch and games to oyster and vegan restaurants. There’s also the ‘Campy! Bar’ in the basement, a queer venue with drag queen bartenders that comes alive at night.
Oedo Antique Market
This is the largest outdoor antiques market in Japan, held on the first and third Sunday of each month at the Tokyo International Forum, conveniently located right by the Yurakucho and Tokyo stations. It specialises in traditional Japanese crafts and antiques, including pottery, paintings, and tableware. You’ll also find traditional Japanese clothing here, including exquisite silk kimonos. You can also pick up some bargains here, with trinkets to be had from just the price of a coffee.
LGBTQ-friendly hotels in Tokyo
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
A luxurious high-rise hotel featuring a rooftop bar with views of the Tokyo skyline, as well as a top-notch spa with pool. You’ll find live music in the bar every weekend, including jazz and DJs. The rooms here are also extremely generously sized, starting from a London-flat-sized 50 square metres.
TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK
This stylish hotel offers a serene urban escape overlooking the lush canopy of Yoyogi Park. Opened in 2023, its rooms all feature outdoor balconies and minimalist design blending Japanese and Scandinavian influences. The hotel’s crown jewel is the exclusive rooftop space for guests with a heated rooftop infinity pool, jacuzzi, and stunning views of the park and Tokyo skyline.
The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
Certainly a sophisticated base for Tokyo adventures, this is where all the cool kids hang out. The hotel has infused Japanese culture with contemporary spaces, but in a non-pretentious way. Based in Toranomon Hills, the hotel is right by a subway station, giving easy access to nearby shrines and the Mori Art Museum. It also hosts events for Pride Month in June.
HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel
Nestled in Shinjuku, Tokyo’s bustling commercial hub, the hotel sits in the heart of Kabukicho – the city’s famed entertainment district. LGBTQ+ travellers will find a welcoming atmosphere, with the hotel supporting Tokyo’s queer community as active participants of Tokyo Rainbow Pride. On the hotel’s 17th floor, you’ll find JAM17 DINING & BAR, offering Italian-style dining, craft cocktails, and live music – with a side order of panoramic city views.
Cultural experiences in Tokyo
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Located in Ueno Park, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is renowned for its diverse range of exhibitions, showcasing both traditional and contemporary art from Japan and around the world. With its constantly changing lineup, visitors are advised to check the museum’s website in advance to see current and upcoming shows. In addition to its rich cultural offerings, the museum boasts a restaurant with a nice view on site, serving a variety of dishes to complement your art-viewing experience.
Jugetsudo Ginza
Perched atop Ginza’s iconic Kabukiza Tower, this speciality Japanese tea business offers an enchanting modern take on traditional Japanese tea culture, with its charming on-site tearoom and cafe. Designed by acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma, the space seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with time-honoured practices. Kuma’s ingenious use of bamboo creates a tranquil atmosphere, with varying partitions and a uniquely “bent” ceiling that artfully connects the interior to the rooftop garden, embodying the delicate beauty of origami. Visitors can immerse themselves in the art of green tea through reasonably priced English-language ceremonies and classes, bookable here.
The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT)
Nestled in the vibrant Roppongi district, this architectural marvel offers one of Japan’s largest exhibition spaces, spanning an impressive 14,000 square meters. NACT operates without a permanent collection, instead hosting an array of temporary exhibitions that span diverse artistic styles, eras, and cultures – checking its website before visiting is recommended. It also houses an extensive art library, hosts educational programs, and features dining options including a French-style Brasserie.
Planning your visit to Tokyo
Tokyo offers diverse experiences year-round. Late autumn provides beautiful foliage, while early spring offers cherry blossoms. Check specific event dates and venue operating hours when planning your itinerary.
Remember, while Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ scene is vibrant and welcoming, public displays of affection are generally uncommon in Japan regardless of orientation. Respecting local customs will enhance your experience of this city.
Whether you’re interested in fashion, culinary exploration, or cultural experiences, Tokyo has something to offer. Consider starting your Tokyo adventure by researching flights and exploring accommodation options, and prepare to discover one of the world’s most exciting cities.
Go to Visit Tokyo – The Official Travel Guide of Tokyo, GO TOKYO to start planning today.
Information in this article is accurate at the time of release but is subject to change. Please visit the official websites of individual businesses for the most current information and updates.